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Liquid level sensor for appliance and associated method

a technology of liquid level sensor and utensils, which is applied in the direction of liquid/fluent solid measurement, machines/engines, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of ineffective energy saving methods, over-consumption of water, and inefficient energy use for heating water

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-08-04
NIDEC MOTOR CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a liquid level sensor for an appliance that uses a radio frequency oscillator and an antenna array to determine the level of liquid in a container. The antenna array produces a stepwise signal that indicates the level of liquid in the container. The sensor is easy to install and can be used to determine the flow of liquid into the container. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a convenient and efficient way to measure the level of liquid in an appliance.

Problems solved by technology

Often, however, the user guesses incorrectly the appropriate fill level or fails to reset or adjust the water level for each clothes load.
This leads to over-consumption of water and inefficient energy use for heating the water.
Recognizing that reliance on the user to correctly determine and remember to reset the water level switch is not an effective method to conserve energy, regulatory agencies do not give credits toward energy use limits to manufacturers of washing machines that have user-controlled water level features.

Method used

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  • Liquid level sensor for appliance and associated method
  • Liquid level sensor for appliance and associated method
  • Liquid level sensor for appliance and associated method

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0015] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram for an embodiment of a radio frequency (RF) sensor 100 according to the invention. The sensor 100 comprises an RF oscillator 102 and a first external antenna array 108. In one embodiment, the sensor 100 may comprise a digital divider 104, a controller 106, and / or a second external antenna array 110. The RF oscillator 102 is well-known in the art and can be made from standard components or obtained commercially. An exemplary circuit for the RF oscillator 102 is included in the circuit shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 4, to control the level of water or other liquid in a 202 container of an appliance 200, such as, for example, a clothes washing machine, a dishwasher, a bathtub, a hot tub, a Jacuzzi, etc., the oscillation frequency of the RF oscillator 102 is commonly set in the ran...

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PUM

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Abstract

A liquid level sensor for an appliance having a container in which liquid flows, and associated method. The sensor comprises a radio frequency oscillator and an antenna array connected to an input port of the oscillator. The antenna array comprises a longitudinal strip and a plurality of conductive fingers extending therefrom. The antenna array is mounted on the appliance in the proximity of the container such that each finger corresponds to a respective level in the container. The sensor includes an output port interconnected with the radio frequency oscillator and outputting a frequency step indicative of the container level to which liquid has reached.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a liquid level sensor for an appliance and associated method. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many household appliances, such as, for example, clothes washers and dishwashing machines are equipped with water conservation devices, including water level controls. These devices may require user input in the form of selection of a cycle type, or cycle duration or estimate of water level required based on the load. [0003] Conventional top-load washing machines, for example, include a pressure switch that is either fixed or variable to determine the water level when filling the washing machine. In a variable pressure switch, the user controls and may vary the fill water level by selecting a setting on an associated dial every time the washing machine is used. Often, however, the user guesses incorrectly the appropriate fill level or fails to reset or adjust the water level for each clothes load. This leads to over-consumpti...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G01F23/00G01F23/28G01F23/284
CPCG01F23/2845G01F23/282
Inventor PETERSON, GREGORY A.ENSINGER, JAMES W.
Owner NIDEC MOTOR CORP